A man who shot a black bear to death at Lake Tahoe claims he killed it in self-defense, authorities said.The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that authorities have not yet identified the South Lake Tahoe resident they say shot the bear Thursday night.Capt. Patrick Foy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife says game wardens had previously offered the man a permit to legally shoot bears after one damaged his property. But Foy says the man turned it down because he feared retribution by animal activists.The man told authorities he shot the bear after it wandered into and out of his garage.Some animal advocates dispute his account and say the bear was harmed unnecessarily and illegally.

RENO, Nev. —

A man who shot a black bear to death at Lake Tahoe claims he killed it in self-defense, authorities said.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that authorities have not yet identified the South Lake Tahoe resident they say shot the bear Thursday night.

Capt. Patrick Foy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife says game wardens had previously offered the man a permit to legally shoot bears after one damaged his property. But Foy says the man turned it down because he feared retribution by animal activists.

The man told authorities he shot the bear after it wandered into and out of his garage.

Some animal advocates dispute his account and say the bear was harmed unnecessarily and illegally.